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The Manitoba Museum is making it fun to learn this summer with a new online language. Anishinaabemowin with Amik is a game that is meant to support those learning the language while also demonstrating the museum’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation through the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages.
At the museum, we’ve always tried to incorporate Indigenous languages into our museum galleries and exhibits,” says Tashina Houle-Gaywish, the Manitoba Museum’s Head of Indigenous Programming and Engagement. “We wanted to take it a step further and have it on our website as well.”
With the guidance of a friendly beaver (“amik” in Anishinaabemowin), participants get the chance to learn more of the names of the animals that can be found on Treaty 1 Territory. With Houle-Gaywish's leadership in collaboration with language keepers, knowledge holders and elders, the museum commissioned art from Anishinaabe artist Micaela Gilbert and voice recordings from the museum’s Indigenous Protocols Advisor, Carol Beaulieu, to help bring the 21 animals in the game to life.
“Amik is kind of the creative force behind the game,” explains Houle-Gaywish. “[They are] seen as a leader in Anishinaabemowin beliefs, a leader of wisdom, of community building, uplifting others, and just constantly seeking out new ways to learn different things. So, we thought that the beaver would be perfect for this game.”
Through this interactive tool, the museum hopes that learning the language will be a more accessible activity for museum visitors of all ages. Houle-Gaywish notes that people have been responding positively to the game, and there are plans to expand it to include more Anishinaabemowin phrases and, eventually, other languages.
“I think it’s a good way to connect folks with the museum,” she says, “and maybe next time a school group comes to visit, they’ll already have learned some of these animals and they’ll be able to point out the bison and say, ‘That’s mashkode-bizhiki!’”
People can learn more about Anishinaabemowin with Amik by visiting the Manitoba Museum’s website.